SALEM, Ore., Aug. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Crater Lake National Park Superintendent Craig Ackerman announced today the inaugural Vehicle-Free Weekend at Crater Lake to be held this year Sept. 21-22. The park plans to preserve every third weekend in September as an annual opportunity to highlight non-motorized use of the park.

"In June, Crater Lake National Park, Travel Oregon and Cycle Oregon collaborated to open Crater Lake's East Rim Drive to non-motorized traffic for a first-time trial," said Ackerman. "After an outpouring of positive feedback from the many people who participated in this rare opportunity, we decided to make it an annual occurrence."

Whether hiking, biking, walking or running, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy stunning views of Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States, from various points around the rim with no vehicle traffic.

"Crater Lake and scenic cycling opportunities are state treasures that Oregon proudly claims," said Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon. "Creating world-class recreation opportunities within Oregon's unique landscapes is what we do best. I commend Craig and his team for giving Oregonians and visitors yet another opportunity to experience Crater Lake in such a remarkable way."

Under the plan, East Rim Drive will be open to non-motorized vehicles only (except for administrative and emergency vehicles) from North Junction around the East Rim of Crater Lake all the way to the intersection at Crater Lake National Park Headquarters and the Steel Visitors Center. Hwy 62 through the south end of the park, West Rim Drive and the North Entrance Road will be open to vehicles. Regular parking areas will be open, but generally fill up quickly. Normal park entrance fees apply.

Visit the National Park Service's website for details on parking, entrance fees and Crater Lake resources.

To learn more about national parks in Oregon and how the National Park Service works with communities to preserve local history, conserve the environment and provide local recreation opportunities, go to www.nps.gov/oregon.

The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, works to enhance visitors' experience by providing information, resources and trip planning tools that inspire travel and consistently convey the exceptional quality of Oregon. The commission improves Oregonians' quality of life by strengthening economic impacts of the state's $9.2 billion tourism industry that employs more than 91,000 Oregonians. www.TravelOregon.com